This story is based on the life of Billy Bayly, a real boy who lived in Pennsylvania during the Civil War and had an unlikely friendship with a Southern soldier.

With simple but engaging text, paintings, and an illuminating author's note telling the true account of a young slave who joins the Union Army, this tale of a real person's role in the Civil War is ideal for beginning readers and burgeoning history buffs. Full color.

The biography emphasizes Edison's grit in improving or inventing new products.

When a mother and her daughters attend a presentation of The Nutcracker, Misty Copeland's performance inspires pride, inspiration, and a willingness to try again. While Misty Copeland's story is told through their conversation, the focus here is on her impact on young African American girls. A beautiful work of realistic fiction for young readers.

These tales of friendship are as humorous as they are heartwarming. Great characters!

Houndsley loves to canoe. Catina loves to ride bikes. But when Houndsley takes Catina out canoeing, she chatters the whole time, drowning out the sounds Houndsley loves, like the call of birds or the plink and plunk of the paddles. Full color.

The subtle dance of friendship is played out in three sweetly humorous tales about an unlikely, likable pair. Howe's funny and endearing world of ginger tea, no-bean chili, and firefly watching is brought to life in cozy watercolors by Gay in this tender chapter book about what it means to be friends. Full color.

The creators of the E.B. White Read Aloud winner "Houndsley and Catina" offer a charming sequel about taking time out from the hustle and bustle and appreciating quiet time. Full color.

The power of courage and hope transcended Helen's disability. This concise but rich retelling of Helen's life shows that growth and overcoming is possible through resilience, and this is evidenced first by Helen's parents, her teacher Annie, and then another teacher Sarah who believed Helen could accomplish even more. Well-written for young readers.

"Boris is surrounded by adventure, except in his actual experiences. When the van his family lives in begins moving, can adventure be around the corner? or will expectations and reality clash enough to cause disappointment? A fun story of family and discoveries!"

Sam is tired of waiting to be Hamster Helper. So when his class takes a trip to the science museum, Sam decides to bring along something extra . . .

Ollie is not the best at anything in second grade, but he does love to cook. When the famous Chef Antonia comes to visit, he can't wait! Will he finally be the best in the class?

On the first day of kindergarten, everyone is new at school--even Sam!

When dozens of children in a remote Alaska contract diphtheria, Balto the Siberian husky leads a dog-sled team hundreds of miles through a blinding snowstorm to find help. Based on a true story. B&W illustrations.

Find out about the life of Harriet Tubman and how her brave actions working to "conduct" the Underground Railroad helped the Union Army in the Civil War lead more than 700 slaves to freedom. Learn about Harriet Tubman's life, achievements, and the challenges she faced along the way. The Level 2 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging information for independent readers. National Geographic Read ...

To The Top! Climbing The World's Highest Mountain

This delightful true story about America's 16th president tells the tale of young lawyer Abe Lincoln on his way to deliver an important speech. He comes across a pig stuck in a mud puddle. If he stops to help the pig, Abe will ruin his new suit. But the pig can't get out. What's Abe to do? Full-color illustrations.

This Ready-to-Read, Level 2 selection relates the story of 11-year-old George Washington, whose mother will not allow him to visit his brother who lived many miles away. George then thinks of a clever way to convince her to let him go. Full color.